In the Aftermath of Choosing

In the aftermath

of choosing calling over career--

one must learn

not to listen to the voices

that do not understand the choice to follow

one who came to serve rather than be served.

At a time

when the false intimacy

of friends in type only

is celebrated as meaningful--

choosing to invest oneself in

deepening consecrated relationships

forged in vows

spoken over golden rings

pledged as prelude to cleansing waters poured

and

“I dos” and “I wills” followed by the weight of praying hands

is an act of faithful defiance!

In a world

where success is measured

in well decorated square feet

self-parking horsepower

and the amassing of unnecessary amenities--

choosing the road less traveled

shouting blessings at a donkey-riding teacher

with no place to lay his head

(despite talk of a many-roomed mansion)

is comprehensible

only to those who have chosen the Jesus Way:

“…whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant,

and whoever wishes to be first among you must be your slave.”*

(Written in honor of Bill Carter on his 53rd Birthday in 2013)

*Matthew 20. 26-27 NRSV